What is permissible for a husband to do with his wife during the expiation for ẓihār? Is he allowed to kiss her, fondle her, and enjoy her without intercourse, or is he forbidden to touch her in any way until the expiation is completed?

Allah commanded the one who pronounces ẓihār to expiate before touching his wife, and massis (touching) refers to sexual intercourse. The jurists have agreed on the prohibition of sexual intercourse before expiation. However, they differed regarding the prohibition of foreplay, such as kissing and touching. The majority held them to be forbidden, while others permitted them. The preponderant opinion is the prohibition of all types of massis (touching) and deriving pleasure from the wife until the husband expiates, for the one who pronounces ẓihār has made his wife like his mother, and what is forbidden from the mother is also forbidden from her.